University of
Toronto Schools

• Launched a graduate student internship with the Department of Computer Science, advancing leading-edge artificial intelligence (AI) development at UTS and expanding innovation capacity.

• Collaborated with Dr. Susan McCahan (Vice-Provost, Innovations in Undergraduate Education) and Dr. Steven Katz (OISE) to strengthen AI integration and leadership development in secondary education.

• Partnered with University of Toronto researchers on AI coding initiatives, offering UTS students advanced, hands-on learning opportunities in emerging technologies.

• Worked with the University of Toronto Equity & Outreach Office of Student Recruitment, extending outreach to Black and Indigenous students and broadening access to UTS.

• Forged a new partnership with the Black Future Educators’ Pathway, creating new mentorship and pipeline opportunities for aspiring Black educators.

• Worked with Facing History and Ourselves on “Challenging Conversations with Students,” equipping staff and students with the tools to enrich historical understanding and actively confront racism, antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.

• Enhanced analysis of longitudinal Panorama Student Survey data, using insights to drive targeted school improvement initiatives that elevate the UTS student experience.

• Developed and launched “Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voice,” a new English course for M4 students that amplifies Indigenous perspectives and fosters critical engagement with contemporary issues.

• Embedded an Anti-Racism, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (AEDI) mindset into teacher-led collaborative inquiry projects, strengthening student engagement and learning across both classroom and co-curricular settings.

• Expanded the UTS VEX Robotics Program, increasing student participation through the hiring of a full-time Computer Science and Robotics teacher and the creation of a dedicated robotics space that supports innovation and hands-on learning.

• Developed and launched a new Technology Education summer course, broadening student learning experiences and building critical skills in emerging fields.

• Increased access to summer internships in business, science and research, providing UTS students with more real-world, career-relevant experiences and pathways to future opportunities.

• Established an AI Integration Director role to provide high-level leadership, professional development and expertise to staff and students.

• Provided workshops with online safety expert Paul Davis for parents, guardians and students on social networking and online safety issues.

• Developed a custom Student Information System, protecting UTS student data while streamlining administrative processes and improving operational efficiency.

• Developed software for teachers, enabling more effective assessment of student work and streamlining grade submission.

• Initiated development of an internal UTS AI ecosystem, strengthening data privacy and responsible use of emerging technologies.

• Redefined communications practices around student photography and social media, balancing privacy with community engagement and establishing clear, consistent institutional guidelines.

• Reached a historic milestone by completing our first-ever Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) Accreditation process. Following our Peer Review Visit in fall 2024, we were formally granted full Accreditation in 2025. 

• Consistently achieved superior student performance on AP exams, surpassing both Ontario and global mean scores and demonstrating the strength of the UTS academic program.

• Built a growing record of student success in contests and external competitions, including Math and Science Olympiads, English, Canadian and World Studies, HOSA-Future Health Professionals (new), Robotics, Athletics, Music, Drama, Visual Arts, Languages, and Speech and Debate, highlighting the breadth of student excellence and the school’s ability to nurture high achievers across disciplines.

• Expanded teacher professional development by adding dedicated PD days, enhancing instructional quality and capacity across the school.

• Invested in continuous teacher learning, funding Additional Qualifications courses, graduate studies and participation in programs such as the CAIS Leadership Institute, CIS Ontario Cohort-21, and a variety of subject-specific conferences ‒

strengthening expertise, leadership and student outcomes.

• Facilitated OISE-UTS classroom research partnerships through the Master of Teaching Year 2 program, advancing evidence-based teaching practices and contributing to innovative, research-informed instruction.

• Expanded the use of the Stepping Forward Tool, enabling students and staff to report incidents of harassment and discrimination safely and ensuring timely follow-up that strengthens accountability, trust and a safer school environment.

• Implemented the Equity Mindset Principles across the academic team for student skill development in equity.

• Trained all students on intervention strategies to address incidents of discrimination and harassment.

• Trained all staff on the Ontario Human Rights Code to ensure awareness and compliance.

• Partnered with Operation Black Vote to deliver the 1834 Youth Debates, a six-week debating program for Black students that has been hosted at UTS for the past three years, empowering participants with public speaking, critical thinking and civic engagement skills.

• Hosted the 100 Strong Foundation event and summer camp for Black students, providing mentorship and enrichment opportunities that strengthen leadership and academic success.

• Sponsored the prestigious Harry Jerome Awards, celebrating and amplifying Black Canadian achievement and strengthening the UTS connection to the broader community.

• Hosted the Brilliancy and Resiliency Conference for Black students from Conference of  Independent Schools (CIS), fostering collaboration, representation and shared learning across institutions.

• Expanded outreach to the Toronto Korean and Caribbean communities, increasing awareness of UTS and strengthening relationships with current and new families and partners.

• Distributed $3.1 million in bursary support for the 2025–26 school year, reaching 21% of the student body and significantly increasing access and affordability compared with previous years.

• Completed a campaign feasibility study to expand bursary support, laying the groundwork for future fundraising initiatives to further enhance student access and equity.

• Removed the mandatory application fee that could deter lower-income families from applying to UTS.

• Leveraged the UTS Community Connections program to address barriers unique to historically underrepresented families.  

• Hired a new Admissions Assistant to increase capacity of the team. 

• Enhanced the UTS Board of Directors recruitment process, supporting diversity of membership and bringing broader perspectives to governance and strategic decision-making.

• Ensured that staff hiring processes reached a broad and relevant network within the public and independent schools systems, supporting the diversification of representation. 

• Continued to conduct experience surveys of students, families and staff to ensure that feedback is being measured and evaluated to quantify results and inform decision making. 

• Introduced classroom initiatives focused on process evaluation in Drama, helping students develop stronger self-reflection skills and prioritize learning and improvement over outcomes.

• Initiated program-wide conversations in the Middle School to promote a growth mindset, tackling unhealthy competition and fostering a more supportive learning culture.

• Piloted a new Awards Ceremony format, shifting the focus toward recognizing personal growth, community engagement and collective achievement rather than solely individual accolades.

• Revised social media protocols, spotlighting outstanding student experiences and contributions to community building that enhance school spirit and recognition.

• Implemented a Relationship Mapping tool based on the Harvard Graduate School of Education model, ensuring every UTS student is connected to a network of staff support to enhance belonging and wellbeing.

• Elevated staff wellbeing as a core focus of professional learning days, integrating dedicated time and resources to improve morale, engagement and retention.

• Created new bookable meeting spaces and quiet work areas for staff, increasing productivity, collaboration and flexible work options.

• Opened a new staff lounge, fostering a healthier, more connected workplace culture and promoting informal collaboration.

• Designated a more inclusive S6 Commons area, enhancing equity and belonging for senior students.

• Added new quiet workspaces for students on the first floor, supporting focus, self-regulation and academic success.

• Revised the school calendar to include quiet late starts and wellness time following major events (e.g., no classes on Mondays after Open House), reducing stress and improving recovery time for students and staff.

• Developed annual surveys of students, staff and parents, generating actionable insights to guide wellbeing initiatives and address emerging needs. 

• Introduced a pre-entry program for incoming F1 students to strengthen social and emotional learning skills before beginning their UTS journey.

• Integrated age-targeted programming from F1 to S6 into UTS Experiential Education to ensure a cohesive and developmental approach.

• Built partnerships with accessibility services at postsecondary institutions to support seamless transitions for students with Educational Support Plans.

• Collaborated with UTSPA to develop guidelines for accessible parent event spaces, improving participation and ensuring all families can engage fully in parent events.

• Hosted Community Connections sessions for historically underrepresented families, providing guidance on post-secondary admissions and increasing access to critical information and support for equitable student opportunities.

• Provided dedicated prayer spaces during religious observances, ensuring students and staff can practice their faith comfortably and inclusively.

• Adapted UTS event menus to accommodate dietary requirements and fasting observances, promoting equitable participation and respect for diverse religious practices.

• Increased staff presence and engagement in Community Connections events, strengthening school-community partnerships and fostering meaningful connections across the UTS community.

• Implemented a Mobile Device Policy to limit social media and gaming access during the school day.

• Updated school policies on the use of artificial intelligence.

• Developed thought leadership on the implementation of artificial intelligence in independent schools in close alignment with University of Toronto 

• Radically re-envisioned school content on social media and online to protect the privacy of our students. 

• Expanded family engagement opportunities, hosting speaker events, information sessions and networking opportunities with UTS staff, the principal and alumni, strengthening connections and fostering a more informed and involved school community.

• Partnered with parents to increase the visibility and accessibility of school social work, reducing stigma around mental health support and improving student access, including active social worker participation in the incoming F1 summer sessions and fall parent coffee mornings.

• Focused on cultivating skills for civil discourse, equipping students with strategies to engage respectfully and thoughtfully in dialogue.

• Developed anti-racism workshops for F1 students, fostering awareness of respectful language and promoting a more inclusive and supportive school culture.

• Launched a Senior Leadership Program in fall 2025, equipping student leaders with the skills and experience to drive impact across the school community.

• Developed and delivered Outdoor Education workshops that support the leadership programming and AEDI initiatives. 

• Redefined roles and responsibilities for Student Council Policy Reps and Co-Captains, creating a more effective and accountable student leadership structure that enhances collaboration and decision-making.

• Established an Indigenous Education Working Group, conducting a comprehensive curriculum audit that identified gaps and opportunities to strengthen Indigenous perspectives across programs.

• Developed and launched “Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Voices,” a new M4 English course that deepens student engagement with Indigenous histories, cultures and contemporary issues.

• Funded teacher completion of the Additional Qualification course “First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples: Understanding Traditional Teachings, Histories, Current Issues and Cultures,” enhancing instructional expertise and embedding Indigenous knowledge into classroom practice.

• Forged a new partnership with the Out of the Cold Foundation, providing UTS students with meaningful service opportunities while supporting Toronto individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Supported the Bridge Project, connecting UTS student tutors with young Afghan learners through the Afghan Women’s Organization, enhancing cross-cultural learning and mentorship outcomes.

• Developed F1 Community Reflection Week to link students with community service providers, increasing awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues among the student body.

• Implemented targeted improvements to the Best Buddies Program, strengthening inclusion, student engagement and peer-to-peer support across the school.

• Incorporated AI into the UTS Academic Integrity Policy.

• Provided professional training to staff to support the incorporation of AI learning in courses.

• Created placement opportunities for U of T Master of Science in Applied Computing students, providing hands-on experience that enhances skills, professional readiness and career pathways.

• Developed partnerships with the Eureka! Research Institute at UTS across the University of Toronto, enabling collaborative research projects and expanding opportunities for innovation.

• Expanded Eureka! Research Institute publications, increasing the visibility and impact of student and faculty research contributions.

• Acted as a host site for the “Open Doors” program (classroom observation initiative) for the Master of Teaching program.

• Served as a pilot site for teaching and inquiry residencies for the Master of Teaching program.

• Created a new Research Associate position to grow the capacity of Eureka! to support more school-based research.

• Improved parent access to school and student information through the development and further expansion of the MyUTS Portal.

• Supported UTS Parents' Association communications and events to align with school mission, vision and values.

• Introduced UTS Family Guidelines to create clarity and support positive home-school relations.

• Increased face-to-face opportunities for UTS families to connect with school staff, encouraging dialogue, engagement and opportunities for input. 

• Appointed the Executive Director of Advancement as the administrative liaison for UTSPA to enhance strategic connections between UTSPA and UTS.